Experiencing a clicking in throat when swallowing can be concerning, leaving many to wonder if it signals a larger issue. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is often associated with such sensations, sometimes arising from issues within the Esophagus itself. The sensation can manifest differently, even prompting consultation with specialists at institutions dedicated to voice and swallowing disorders, such as the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) for diagnosis and advice. Understanding the nuances of this symptom is crucial, considering the potential involvement of structures like the thyroid cartilage during the swallowing process.
Image taken from the YouTube channel The Christie NHS Foundation Trust , from the video titled Mendelsohn Manoeuvre .
Clicking in Throat When Swallowing: Understanding the Sounds and When to Worry
A "clicking" sound in your throat when you swallow can be unsettling. While it’s often harmless, understanding why it happens and when it might indicate a more significant issue is important. This article aims to provide information about the possible causes of this sensation, guiding you on when to seek medical advice.
What Causes Clicking in the Throat?
The throat, or pharynx, is a complex structure involved in both breathing and swallowing. Several factors can contribute to a clicking or popping sound during swallowing.
Cartilage Movement
- Hyoid Bone and Larynx Interaction: The hyoid bone, a U-shaped bone in the neck, and the larynx (voice box) move significantly during swallowing. These movements can sometimes create a clicking or popping sound as cartilage surfaces rub together. This is especially common if the cartilages are slightly misaligned or if there’s any inflammation.
- Explanation: Imagine two puzzle pieces fitting together. If they aren’t perfectly aligned, they might click as you force them together. A similar process may occur with the cartilage in your throat.
Air Bubbles
- Trapped Air: Small air bubbles can sometimes become trapped in the throat or esophagus during eating or drinking. When you swallow, these bubbles can be released, creating a clicking or popping sound.
- Esophageal Spasms: Although less common, involuntary muscle contractions in the esophagus (esophageal spasms) can also trap air and contribute to clicking sounds.
Muscle Imbalances
- Swallowing Muscles: Several muscles are involved in the swallowing process. If these muscles are not properly coordinated or if there’s muscle tension, it can lead to clicking sensations.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues: Although not directly in the throat, problems with the TMJ (the joint connecting your jaw to your skull) can sometimes affect swallowing mechanics and indirectly contribute to throat noises.
Structural Abnormalities (Less Common)
- Enlarged Thyroid or Lymph Nodes: In rare cases, an enlarged thyroid gland or swollen lymph nodes in the neck can interfere with the normal movement of structures during swallowing, leading to clicking.
- Foreign Object: Very rarely, a small, lodged foreign object might contribute to the sensation.
Identifying the Clicking: Is it Always Normal?
It’s essential to distinguish between occasional, harmless clicking and persistent or worsening symptoms.
When to Consider it Normal
- Infrequent Occurrence: A click that happens occasionally and doesn’t cause pain or discomfort is usually nothing to worry about.
- Temporary Discomfort: If the clicking is associated with a minor sore throat or cold, it’s likely due to temporary inflammation and should resolve on its own.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience any of the following along with clicking in the throat, consult a doctor:
- Persistent Clicking: If the clicking sound is frequent and ongoing.
- Pain: Pain while swallowing (odynophagia) or a constant sore throat.
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Feeling like food is getting stuck in your throat.
- Voice Changes: Hoarseness or a change in your voice that persists.
- Lump or Swelling: A noticeable lump or swelling in your neck.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss.
- Regurgitation: Bringing food back up after swallowing.
The following table summarizes potential symptoms and their urgency:
| Symptom | Frequency | Severity | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional Clicking | Infrequent | Mild | Monitor; no immediate action needed |
| Frequent Clicking | Frequent | Mild | Consider doctor’s visit if persistent |
| Clicking + Painful Swallowing | Any | Moderate | Consult a doctor |
| Clicking + Difficulty Swallowing | Any | Moderate to Severe | Consult a doctor immediately |
| Clicking + Voice Changes | Any | Moderate | Consult a doctor |
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
If you decide to see a doctor, they’ll likely perform a physical examination and ask questions about your symptoms.
Possible Diagnostic Tests
Depending on your symptoms, the doctor might recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Laryngoscopy: A procedure where the doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera (laryngoscope) to examine your larynx and throat.
- Barium Swallow: You’ll drink a liquid containing barium, which helps visualize your esophagus and swallowing process on an X-ray.
- Esophageal Manometry: This test measures the pressure and coordination of your esophageal muscles during swallowing.
- Imaging Scans: In some cases, a CT scan or MRI might be used to look for structural abnormalities.
Potential Treatments
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
- Muscle Tension: Speech therapy or exercises to improve swallowing coordination.
- Inflammation: Medications to reduce inflammation.
- Structural Abnormalities: Surgery may be necessary in rare cases to correct structural problems.
- TMJ Issues: Treatment for TMJ disorders, such as physical therapy or medication.
Clicking Throat: FAQs About Swallowing Issues
If you’re experiencing a clicking sound in your throat when swallowing, you likely have some questions. Here are answers to some common inquiries regarding this symptom and potential swallowing problems.
What exactly causes the clicking sound in my throat when swallowing?
The clicking sound can have several causes. It’s often related to the movement of cartilage in your larynx or esophagus during swallowing. In some cases, it may also involve the hyoid bone. If the clicking is new or accompanied by pain or difficulty swallowing, further evaluation is warranted.
Is clicking in my throat when swallowing always a sign of a serious problem?
Not necessarily. A clicking sound alone, without other symptoms, is often benign and doesn’t require treatment. However, if you also experience pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), food getting stuck, or weight loss, the clicking in throat when swallowing could indicate a more significant issue.
When should I see a doctor about a clicking throat?
You should see a doctor if the clicking sensation is accompanied by pain, difficulty swallowing, a persistent feeling of something stuck in your throat, voice changes, or unexplained weight loss. These symptoms could indicate underlying conditions requiring medical attention.
What tests might a doctor do to investigate the clicking I feel when swallowing?
A doctor might perform a physical exam, including palpating your neck. They may also order tests like a barium swallow study (esophagram), endoscopy (to visualize your esophagus), or a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) to evaluate how you swallow and identify any abnormalities that may be causing the clicking in throat when swallowing.
So, if you’re experiencing that clicking in throat when swallowing, don’t panic, but definitely pay attention to your body. Talking to a doctor is always a good idea to get to the bottom of things and make sure everything’s working as it should. Hopefully, this article has given you a good starting point!